Welcome Shannon Smith to Grafton’s Senior Center!
Monday is the first day of work for Dr. Shannon Smith, who is taking the role as the new Council on Aging director.
A Massachusetts native, Smith grew up right next door in Worcester, in the Tatnuck Square area. Growing up she enjoyed an active lifestyle, taking up Irish step dancing at the age of 5, and then playing field hockey and running indoor and outdoor track in high school. She attributes her current love of health, wellness, and science to her active childhood.
Smith worked as a physical therapist for the past five years and has a long history of working with the senior population.
She is a double graduate of the University of Vermont, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Food Sciences, and a Doctorate of Physical Therapy. Despite having finished her formal education in 2017, Smith continues to learn and grow, having earned certifications as a Geriatric Certified Specialist and a Fall Prevention Specialist.
After completing her doctoral program, Smith entered the field of physical therapy in 2017 and has since worked in both Boston and Philadelphia. Despite her strong medical background, Shannon is making the change to working in the field of local government.
“I have seen a need for tremendous growth within the health promotion sector with few avenues to explore.,” she said. “I want to be a greater part of the solution and believe my education and continued training for the geriatric population gives me a unique lens and a chance to implement true change.”
Smith is aware of the challenges of her new role. As a person several years younger than the population she is serving, she plans to work hard to build genuine relationships with our senior population to ensure she gets the full scope of their experiences and perspectives. She said she has been drawn to working with the senior population since graduate school and is excited to work with her new community.
Smith was attracted to Grafton due to long-standing family ties, and the unique
nature of the Town. Growing up in Worcester, Shannon was already familiar with Grafton’s natural beauty. She was also attracted to Grafton’s strong sense of community and wanted to participate and build strong connections with the town.
When not at work, she still enjoys an active lifestyle, as an avid runner, hiker, gardener, and cook. She recently moved back to the Grafton area with her fiancé and their dog Papi, and all three are excited to establish new roots in Massachusetts.
